Italy seeks stronger business presence in Türkiye, joint projects in 3rd markets

Italy aims to expand the presence of its companies in Türkiye and strengthen economic cooperation with Ankara, including through joint initiatives in third markets and across the Mediterranean, Italy’s foreign minister said Friday.

Antonio Tajani made the remarks after meeting with Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat in Rome, where the two officials discussed bilateral economic and trade relations as well as the impact of the crisis in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz on international trade.

"We want an ever greater presence of our companies in Turkey and to continue building an ever stronger partnership oriented toward growth, capable of also looking to joint initiatives in third markets and across the entire Mediterranean," Tajani said on US social media platform X.

Following their meeting, Tajani and Bolat met with representatives of Italian companies active in Türkiye in strategic sectors, including infrastructure, transport, defense, aerospace, energy, telecommunications, and steel.

They also addressed the issue of the consequences of the crisis in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz on international trade, according to Tajani.